Tell me about this toile...... I don't mind if I do.
This little print holds so much of my heart. Illustrated at a time when I felt creatively confined, I saw this canvas as a unique circumstance to try a new kind of dance and still covet my biggest dream.
Of course, I’ve always been romanced by French couture and their elegant play on scenic patterns. Few things say “tres chic” like a French Toile wallpaper. The way it invites storytelling and sets provincial scenes of life’s little moments in such an artful way became my inspiration for the iconic CHEVAL brand print.
In these intricate scenes, I saw a way to tell my own story—a series of vignettes filled with meaningful treasures and memories that had carried me through some of the hardest, yet most transformative, moments of my career.
As I started illustrating, I wove in 17 hidden trinkets and characters, each a symbol of significance. Some represent personal milestones, others are little clues about the journey I’ve taken in reinventing myself. Among them are nods to my childhood, a time when my imagination ran wild and creativity had no bounds. It was a homecoming of sorts—reconnecting with the whimsical, carefree part of myself that always believed in the magic of design… but it also embraces the hardships and moments where my favorite method of design felt locked up in the tallest tower awaiting the unlocking of a magic spell.
The playful metaphors throughout my toile are subtle reminders that facing your fears often leads to the greatest adventures and moments of self discovery. I like to think of it as a visual representation of being “fear-less,” not in the sense of eliminating fear, but in fearing less than you desire to progress. It’s an idea I’ve leaned on heavily in finding my footing, especially when the road has felt uncertain or doubtful.
But this print isn’t just about me. It’s a reflection of how we all have stories to tell, symbols that mark our journeys, and the support systems that keep us rooted in our growth and glow. The toile embraces what I like to call ‘main character energy’—owning your path, your narrative—but it also honors those who have been beside you, providing the strength and inspiration you need along the way.
We use this toile for our shoe boxes, dust bags, and reusable totes because I want it to be a reminder of that story—a blend of courage, creativity, and the constant reinvention we all experience. And maybe, just maybe, it will ignite a bit of curiosity and inspire you to continue telling your own story when the time is right for you.
